Taking care of an elder loved one at home is challenging. Because immune systems function less effectively with age, it is particularly important to disinfect regularly to help kill germs that can cause intestinal ailments, colds and flu.

Use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes daily on phones, remote controls, light switches, appliance handles and doorknobs to reduce the spread of common illness-causing bacteria that can survive for days to months on hard surfaces.

Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes have been shown to kill 99.9 percent of E. coli, Staphylococcus (staph) and Salmonella, plus other potentially harmful germs including viruses such as influenza (the "flu" virus), rhinovirus (one of the most recurrent causes of the common cold), and rotavirus.

Encourage your elder to wash her hands frequently throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food or eating. Proper hand washing means using soap and warm water and washing for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. If washing with water isn't practical, provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Another way to reduce the distribution of germs is for elders and everyone else to cough or sneeze into the crooks of their arms instead of into their hands. Germs can be spread through touch, so keeping hands clean is crucial.

One more reminder: It's best for elders not to share pens, tape dispensers or other commonly used items with members of the household, especially young children. School-age kids get 6 to 10 colds a year on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Caring for elders at home may present other difficulties, as well, including incontinence. Use adult diapers and protect bedding with waterproof liners available at medical supply stores. Wash bed linens separately in hot water with Clorox® Regular-Bleach. Wash and disinfect bed pans after each use with a solution of 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach to one gallon of water as directed.

To clean up urine or feces, wear latex gloves, pick up soil with a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag. Discard in an outside garbage can. Tile or linoleum floors can be disinfected with Clorox® Disinfecting Floor & Surface Cleaner. Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water and soap for 20 seconds to remove germs. Use products as directed.